According to ESPN Brazil, Leicester City transfer target Lucas Beraldo could be on his way out of Sao Paulo, with the Brazilian club now willing to sell in January.
Following their relegation to the Championship at the end of last season, Leicester City allowed Caglar Soyuncu, Jonny Evans, and Daniel Amartey to leave the club, bringing in Conor Coady and Callum Doyle as replacements in the heart of defense.
However, Enzo Maresca’s side may be looking to strengthen their defense in the January transfer window in order to build on and maintain their fine form and help secure promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Beraldo, a Sao Paulo center-back, has been identified as a possible target. According to a previous report, the Foxes had a long-term interest in the 20-year-old and were preparing a bid in the region of £17 million. According to ESPN Brazil, the Brazilian club is looking to sell four players from their squad, with Beraldo among them.
This recent ESPN update will give Leicester City a huge boost, as they may believe they now have a better chance of landing their target. Sao Paulo has already reportedly rejected a £15 million bid from Zenit and is likely to demand more.
If Leicester City are willing to outbid Zenit, it appears that his current club will not stand in his way of a move. However, with his eventual transfer listed, Leicester City may not need to go as high as £17m with an official approach, allowing them to save funds for other signings.
However, with Sao Paulo willing to sell, there are opportunities for competition. The Foxes are in the second tier, which could be a factor in deciding his next club, especially if clubs from the Premier League or Europe’s top divisions come calling.
